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        {\bf A Dynamic Scratchpad Memory Unit for Predictable Real-Time Embedded Systems}

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        by \\

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        \Large
        Saud Wasly \\

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        A thesis \\
        presented to the University of Waterloo \\ 
        in fulfillment of the \\
        thesis requirement for the degree of \\
        Master of Science \\
        in \\
        Electrical and Computer Engineering \\

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        Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, 2012 \\

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        \copyright\ Saud Wasly 2012 \\
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I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this thesis. This is a true copy of the thesis, including any required final revisions, as accepted by my examiners.

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  \noindent
I understand that my thesis may be made electronically available to the public.

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% A B S T R A C T
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\begin{center}\textbf{Abstract}\end{center}

Scratch-pad memory is a popular alternative to caches in real-time embedded systems due to its advantages in terms of timing predictability and power consumption. However, dynamic management of scratch-pad content is challenging in multitasking environments. To address this issue, this thesis proposes the design of a novel Real-Time Scratchpad Memory Unit (RSMU). The RSMU can be integrated into existing systems with minimal architectural modifications. Furthermore, scratchpad management is performed at the OS level, requiring no application changes. In conjunction with a two-level scheduling scheme, the RSMU provides strong timing guarantees to critical tasks. Demonstration and evaluation of the system design is provided on an embedded FPGA platform.

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\begin{center}\textbf{Acknowledgements}\end{center}

My great gratitude is to Allah the only god, the Almighty who guided me in every 
step of this work with his infinite graciousness and bounties. 

I would like to thank all the kind people around me who made this possible, to only some of whom it is possible to give particular mention here. This thesis would not have been possible without the help and support of my supervisors, Prof. Andrew Morton and Prof. Rodolfo Pellizzoni. 

I'm grateful to Prof. Morton for his great kindness, continuous encouragement and extended support. Prof. Morton has guided me through my Master's, and introduced me to several subjects in the embedded domain. The experience I gained from him has not only
developed my academic skills, but also has refined my character.

I would also like to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to Prof. Pellizzoni. His good advice, support and friendship have been invaluable on both an academic and a personal level. The knowledge and experience I gained from him has significantly improved and polished my research skills. 

I would also like to express my appreciation and thanks to Prof. Sebastian Fischmeister, and Prof. Hiren D. Patel for serving in my examination committee.
 % and for their invaluable feedback.

A big thanks to all ECE department staff, who always have been kind, supportive and willing to help. Thanks are also extended to my colleagues and friends in Waterloo; studying and living in Waterloo would not be as enjoyable without them. In addition, I would like to acknowledge the financial and academic support of both King Abdulazize University in Saudi Arabia, and the Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau in Canada.

The heart words come at last! My special thanks go to my most beloved ones in my life: my parents, my wife and my son. I thank you for your endless encouragement, support, prayers, and love.


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\begin{center}\textbf{Dedication}\end{center}
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&  \\
TO   &  \\
	& My parents \\
	& My wife      \\
	& My whole family \\

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